Anasarca Definition By definition, Anasarca is the gross and generalized edema of the body tissues with profound subcutaneous swelling. [1] So, Let’s see what is edema? Edema is the bloating up of any body part due to accumulation of excess fluid in the body tissue. When this edema is confined to a particular part, say in a twisted ankle, it’s called localized edema. When this bloating involves the whole body and appears like an inflated balloon , it is known as Anasarca which is derived from the Greek phrase ‘ anà ‘ meaning ‘through’ and ‘sarx’ meaning ‘flesh ‘.[2] Pathophysiology of Anasarca As Anasarca is the gradual progression of the swelling, […]

What is Still’s Disease? Still’s disease, also known as systemic juvenile idiopathic arthritis, is a form of arthritis named after Sir George F. Still, an English physician [1]. It occurs more commonly in children, hence the name systemic ‘juvenile’ idiopathic arthritis. Adults can also be affected, although much rarely than in children. In addition, women are more at risk of developing the disease than men. According to statistics, less than 1 out of 100,000 people are affected by Still’s disease each year [2]. The cause of this disease is still unknown. There are theories, however, that say Still’s disease may be caused by a microbial infection. Another theory proposes that […]

What is Wilson’s Disease? First described by British neurologist, Dr. Samuel Alexander Kinnier Wilson in 1912, this refers to the rare genetic condition wherein there is an excessive accumulation of copper in the body. [1] Another term that is used for Wilson’s disease is hepatolenticular degeneration. [2] A patient with this condition has the inability of the liver to excrete copper to bile. After the accumulation of copper in the liver, damage is caused to the organ until such time that the liver releases the bile to the bloodstream. As a result, it will carry copper to the other parts of the body leading to copper build up in brain, kidney, […]

Flesh Eating Disease Misnomer Flesh eating disease is a misnomer because the bacteria that cause this condition do not really consume tissues. The bacteria are responsible for the damage of muscle and toxins by releasing the toxins, which are much like streptococcal pyogenic exotoxins. These pyogenes are responsible for manufacturing exotoxin identified as super antigen. The toxin can activate T-cells that are non-specific, which can lead to overload of cytokines and extreme systemic diseases. [1] Flesh Eating Bacteria and MRSA MRSA, also referred to as methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus, is a very severe Staph infection. Flesh eating disorder or necrotizing fasciitis is an infection that may be a result of MRSA. […]

What is Crohn’s Disease? Alternative names of this disease include Crohn syndrome, regional enteritis, ileitis, and granulomatous ileocolitis [1]. It is a type of Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) causing prolonged inflammation in the linings of the intestinal tract [2]. It most commonly affects the ileum, but can occur anywhere from the mouth to the end of the rectum [3]. This picture shows the organs affected by Crohn’s Disease. Source: www.childrenshospital.vanderbilt.org Crohn’s: Tracing Its Beginning The condition was first described by Italian physician Giovanni Morgagni in 1769 [4]. From then on, successive cases were reported by John Berg and Antoni Lesniowski [5]. Amongst these, an article on terminal ileitis by gastroenterologists […]

Hodgkin’s Disease Definition Hodgkin’s disease, also referred to as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is a form of lymphatic cancer that is part a of the body’s immune system. [1] In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the cells may grow abnormally and spread to the lymphatic system. As the disease progresses, it fights the body’s ability to fight against any type of infection. This type of cancer is considered the most treatable type of cancer. Early diagnosis of the symptoms helped people to have higher chance of recovery. Hodgkin’s Disease Causes There are no clear causes of Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Medical studies show that Hodgkin’s lymphoma grows when the infection-fighting cell referred as B cell develops a […]

What is Chagas Disease ? Also called American Trypanosomiasis,[4] is an inflammatory, infectious parasitic disease affecting cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and nervous system of humans and other mammals. This disease can affect everyone but mostly diagnose among children. It is endemic in South America, Central America, and Europe. It is potentially life threatening disease if not treat can cause a burden to life. [1.2] Picture : Patient with swelling of eyelid also known as Romana Sign Source: jyi.org Statistics This disease is endemic in American countries and accounts from 8-10 million people and 300,000 up to 400,000 people in non-endemic countries around the world. A predicted number of 41,200 new cases diagnosed yearly, and […]